The building that formerly housed the "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will be repurposed as office space, the company confirmed to local Orlando media.

Reports began swirling at the end of January that the building for the shuttered hotel would get new life as an office space, multiple sources reported.

Disney confirmed to WESH 2, an Orlando outlet, that its "Imagineering" department would be taking up residence in the space and that the move had been in the works since October.

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It is unclear when the renovation work will begin or when the employees will move into the space.

"Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative engine that designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide, and oversees the creative aspects of Disney games, merchandise product development, and publishing businesses," said Disney's website. 

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was a two-night experience that was akin to a traditional cruise. 

Guests on the Galactic Starcruiser were immersed in a story that played out during their stay.

The 100-room hotel opened in March 2022, after many delays. 

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In May 2023, Disney announced that the Starcruiser would take its final "voyage" at the end of September. 

The Galactic Starcruiser was praised for its storytelling and experience, but faced criticism over its price structure.

Rates for a two-person "cabin" on the Starcruiser started at nearly $5,000. 

A four-person cabin was $6,000, FOX Business previously reported. 

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In addition to two nights in the hotel room, the rate included entertainment, meals and an "excursion" to Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

After the announced closure, Star Wars fans were hopeful that the building would remain as an attraction in some form. 

In a June 2023 interview with travel website The Points Guy, Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, said that "something will happen" with the building, but remained mum on what that would entail. 

About six months later, in Jan. 2024, a permit for "general construction" at the site of the former hotel was filed by Disney. 

While many Americans opt for destinations by air, a new report reveals a record-breaking number of people will be seeking trips on the high seas this year.

AAA has released its first-ever "Cruise Travel Forecast."

It projects that 19 million Americans plan to take cruises this year.

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Last year, 18.2 million travelers went on cruises, according to the report. 

"What we’re witnessing in the cruise industry is nothing short of amazing, but it’s no surprise. There’s a reason most first-time cruise passengers become repeat cruisers," said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a press release.

Barber added, "Cruise vacations offer something for everyone, no matter their age." 

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"And because most of the vacation is already paid for," he said, "travelers can focus on enjoying themselves and making lifelong memories with loved ones."

The cruise forecast report found that 72% of passengers are heading to Caribbean destinations in search of sunny vacation times.

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Six percent plan on heading to Alaska, while 5% of people will be cruising in the Mediterranean, according to the report. 

The report also found a rising interest among travelers in taking shorter cruises that last two to five days. 

While most cruises run six to eight days, 18% of Caribbean cruise itineraries this year are shorter cruises — compared to just 2% in 2023.

A man decided to take his relationship to the next level and to brand-new heights by proposing to his girlfriend mid-flight.

Sam Riber, a 34-year-old CEO from Pennsylvania, took inspiration from the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie, "The Wedding Singer," to propose to his now-fiancé, Lissy Alden, 37.

The Philadelphia resident first met Alden, owner of mental and organizational fitness provider MYNDY, at a Shabbat dinner early last year. The two immediately felt a connection, as news agency SWNS reported.

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"I almost didn't go to that Shabbat dinner in February because I was tired, but my mom told me I needed to eat … I'm so glad I went," Alden told SWNS.

"We have both dated a lot before, so when we both felt it was really right, we didn't want to have to wait," he said. 

Nearly eight months passed by and Riber had already started coming up with a plan to propose to his girlfriend.

While on a flight to Mexico for Alden's birthday, Riber took that moment as an opportunity to get down on one knee while thousands of feet in the air, SWNS reported.

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Riber and Alden are both film lovers — so the CEO decided that he wanted to recreate a scene from the 1998 comedy film.

Without Alden noticing, Riber was able to smuggle a prop guitar onto the plane and work in secret codewords with the flight attendants to pull off the surprise proposal, SWNS said. 

Alden and her then-boyfriend were halfway through their flight from North Carolina to Mexico City on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. 

That's when Riber pulled out his prop guitar and serenaded her with the same song Sandler's character sang when he proposed to Barrymore's character in the movie "The Wedding Singer" — "Grow Old With You."

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The fitness founder responded to the life-changing moment with a resounding, "Yes!"

"It was such a special moment," Riber told the news organization.

"I almost couldn't believe it all worked out."

While Riber has been a fan of the movie for years, his now-fiancé was not as familiar with the movie.

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"Lissy had never seen it, so I had to find a way to introduce it to her without giving anything away," the Pennsylvania CEO said. 

"I managed to casually suggest a movie night. She went for it and luckily she absolutely loved the film, same as me," he said. "We've since sung versions of that song to each other because we often quote or act out movies to entertain each other, but she had no clue about my wider plan."

Riber was able to pull off the entire proposal without a hitch, thanks to the support of the flight attendants.

"I was lucky enough to have the support of the flight attendants, especially Teri Ramirez, who you see helping me with the PA system," Riber said.

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"The team went above and beyond to help, even introducing our code word 'juice' so I would know when to go up and grab the guitar they'd been hiding for me."

Alden initially thought the excitement on the flight had to do with her birthday, since Riber had already started to celebrate by bumping them up to first class, SWNS added.

"Although I had no idea he was going to propose then and there, we had talked about a future, so it wasn't completely out of the blue," the MYNDY owner shared.

"But, when he got down on one knee, I realized what was happening and just felt so happy."

Reflecting back on the magical moment in the sky, Alden called the experience "a peak life moment."

President Joe Biden’s inauguration in Jan. 2021 may have been scaled back due to COVID-19, but Washington, D.C., is now preparing to welcome a tremendous influx of visitors for the monumental event this year for President-elect Donald Trump. 

Elliott Ferguson, II, Destination DC president and CEO, told Fox News Digital, "The public hasn’t been able to participate in the inauguration since 2017, so we expect significant interest."

Typically, first-term presidents have larger inaugurations, according to Destination DC’s data partners.

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Kristin Petersen, a travel adviser at Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, told Fox News that she encourages clients to avoid the rush hour when flying into the Washington, D.C., area.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia are the airports nearest to the nation’s capital.

"Your commute during rush hour will be jam-packed and slow," said Petersen. 

So "I recommend flying in the middle of the week because most people are coming and going from the city on the weekends."

Petersen said she anticipates that hotel rates will continue to rise and rooms fill up.

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"The ideal location is a hotel within walking distance of Capitol Hill," she said. 

"A lot of the city will shut down and many locations will be gated, so it's extremely difficult to move around the city." 

Petersen said she advises visitors to consider staying at destinations that are located outside the district on metro stops if hotel costs in the area are outside people's budgets.

Travelers should check the weather prior to their trip, ensuring proper clothes are packed.

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"We have had a snowy start to 2025 and the temperatures have been below normal …Travelers should anticipate freezing temperatures and the potential for snow," she said.

"You can always remove layers if temperatures increase," said Petersen.

Heavy coats, insulated walking shoes, gloves, hats and even hand-warmers are helpful to pack.

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The inauguration takes place on Jan. 20 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 

The parade will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Inauguration Day, lasting 60 to 90 minutes, according to Destination DC’s website.

The public viewing areas for the parade start at 3rd Street, extending to Pennsylvania Avenue near the Canadian Embassy.

Some people may want to consider being a bit more … diplomatic.

That's the overall assessment of commenters on a viral Reddit thread after a man described the experience of going for a nature hike with his brother while on vacation in Arizona — then shared his blunt response to a question his brother asked him after their hike was done.

"I am a guy who, when I don't enjoy something, I'll tell you I don't," Reddit user "Ness_Lucas" wrote at the start of his post on the social media site a few days ago. 

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As of Sunday, the post had accumulated over 6,000 reactions.

He added, "But if I commit to something, I'll see it through to the end without complaining."

He said the issue "came to a head" when he was "on vacation with my older brother in Arizona, who wanted to do a lot of nature hikes."

Wrote the man on Reddit, "Nature hikes are fine. I don't mind them, but I do dislike walking up large hills."

He added, "Walking downhill is the easiest thing ever. It's like being nature's passenger princess. You just put your foot forward and let gravity do all the work."

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He went on, "Walking uphill, conversely, is very draining and leaves me sweaty."

He continued, "I don't make a point to complain about something when I do it, so when I was walking uphill, despite not liking it much, I held [a] basic conversation with my brother."

However, once the pair began to head back down, the man said his brother "asked me if I was having fun — and I said no."

He added, "Not because of any fault of my brother. I just didn't find the activity fun. Not even bad, just satisfactory."

Later, when the brother was driving the Reddit poster to the airport for his flight home, the man said his brother told him, "If I ask you if you're having fun, don't say 'no.'"

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Wrote the Redditor, "I understand that it can be demoralizing to hear someone's not having fun."

However, "I don't like it when people ask for my opinion and get upset when I give my honest answer," he said. 

"If I'm not having fun, I'll just say I'm not having fun."

Responders on the Reddit page known as "Am I the a--hole" had a field day with the post — rendering their general assessment that the man was indeed the "a--hole" for the way he replied to his family member. 

Wrote one commenter in the top-rated response, garnering some 21,000 reactions, "'It's been a fun day hanging with you, but, man, this hike is steep' [or] 'I'm looking forward to the downhill bit!' That's the sort of polite answer people are looking for."

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The same person added, "You acknowledge you're enjoying your brother's company, which was what he was looking for, but you can also acknowledge the hike is hard/difficult etc. It doesn't matter how much the activity sucks — people want to hear that you're enjoying their company."

Another individual put it this way, responding to the first commenter, "Exactly! It's a small social nicety that expresses that 'I'm happy to spend time with you, even if I don't enjoy the activity.'"

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Yet another person said pointedly, "You are perched on your self-anointed pedestal and expecting everyone to treat you like a little princess. Your brother probably regrets ever going on a hike with you. Sometimes in life you have to walk uphill to get to where you're going."

A different commenter let the Reddit poster off the hook but shared this suggestion: "Not everyone is into hiking. That's a personal choice. But a better option would be to talk with your brother and compromise on doing something you will BOTH enjoy."

Fox News Digital reached out to a psychologist for thoughts. 

Many Americans traveled far and wide across the U.S. throughout 2024.

Travelers may have participated in, or noticed, a few different travel trends that emerged in 2024.

As 2024 wraps up and the New Year of 2025 soon begins, here is a round-up of some of the biggest travel trends of the past year.

"Gate lice" refers to passengers who cut lines in the hope of boarding a flight early.

American Airlines announced it is expanding its new technology to counter "gate lice" at over 100 airports. 

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The system audibly flags when a passenger attempts to board the plane before his or her designated assignment is called — and will automatically reject the person's ticket.

Dubbed "mattress runs," the fad has people booking hotel rooms in order to earn free nights or accumulate status points.

These travelers, however, are apparently not completing their stays, yet they still reserve rooms in the hope of racking up rewards. 

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Alston Causey, vice president of Travelmation, a U.S.-based travel agency, told Fox News Digital, "A ‘mattress run’ is more for people who are on the cusp and tend to find themselves there every year."

"Flying naked" is a trend in which passengers fly without checked or carry-on luggage, bringing only essentials like a phone, charger, and wallet. 

Advocates appreciate the convenience of avoiding baggage fees and the hassle of overhead bin space — while critics find the concept too limiting. 

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TikTok users posted videos showing their participation in the trend, with one creator sharing a series of travel videos titled "Traveling with No Bags, Just Vibes."

'FLYING NAKED' IS THE LATEST TRAVEL TREND DIVIDING THE INTERNET, AND IT DOESN'T MEAN WHAT YOU THINK

In 2023, airlines made over $33 billion in baggage fees, FOX Business reported.

The term "seat squatters" refers to airline passengers who occupy seats not assigned to them, hoping to secure a more desirable spot without paying extra fees. 

'SEAT SQUATTERS' ON PLANES ARE LATEST TRAVEL TREND TAKING OVER SOCIAL MEDIA

This trend has gained attention on social media, with travelers sharing experiences of confronting such individuals.

Travel industry expert Gary Leff, based in Texas, emphasized that passengers are entitled to the seat indicated on their boarding pass.

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He suggested that those seeking a different seat should politely request a swap, offering a reasonable trade in return.

The concept of "sleep divorce," in which couples choose to sleep separately to enhance their sleep quality, has been gaining in popularity, especially during vacations. 

Hilton's 2025 Trends report indicates that 63% of travelers sleep better alone, and 37% prefer separate beds from their partners while traveling. 

'SLEEP DIVORCE' ON VACATION: TRAVEL TREND HAS COUPLES 'BREAKING UP' AT BEDTIME 

Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, told Fox News Digital that some couples are opting to sleep separately while on vacation with the "goal of improving sleep quality."

"This trend reflects a growing awareness that sleep is crucial not only for personal health and well-being but also for relationship health," said Troxel.

A public vote has opened to name the Metro Richmond Zoo's newborn female pygmy hippopotamus calf. 

The calf was born Dec. 9, a Christmas Eve news release from the Virginia-based zoo announced.

"Hippo hooray! The zoo is excited to announce a heartwarming addition to our animal family just in time for the holidays: a baby pygmy hippo. The newborn arrived on December 9, 2024, after a 7-month gestation. Congratulations to pygmy hippo parents Iris and Corwin on the birth of another little girl," the zoo in Mosley said in the release. 

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The unnamed calf is the hippo couple's third in the last 4½ years, the zoo said, and is the second born at Christmastime. 

The release included a video of the zoo's newest resident romping about her enclosure with her mother. The video was set to the Christmas carol "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." 

"Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years," the Metro Richmond Zoo said.

Iris delivered this calf in water, her first water birth, according to the zoo. Pygmy hippopotamuses, unlike their larger, more common counterparts, give birth on both land and in water. 

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"The baby’s natural instincts kicked in, and she started moving around in the water immediately," the zoo noted.

The newborn weighed in at "a healthy 15 pounds" and will weigh up to 600 pounds when she is fully grown, the release noted.

On Friday, Dec. 27, the Metro Richmond Zoo launched a poll to name the new calf. 

Choices include Poppy, Juniper, Hammie Mae, and Omi.

Poppy was chosen as a tribute to her mother's floral name, Juniper is a nod to her winter birthday, Hammie Mae is "a sweet and southern tie to Virginia ham" and Omi is the Yoruba word for "water," according to the Metro Richmond Zoo. 

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The poll received an "incredible response" in the first 24 hours it was open, the zoo said in an update posted to its website and Facebook page.

"We’re thrilled to see so many people joining in on the fun of naming our adorable pygmy hippo baby," the zoo said. 

The zoo received more than 14,000 votes "from hippo fans all over the world" during the first day of voting. 

The Metro Richmond Zoo clarified that if no name won an outright majority of the votes, there would be a second vote with the top two contenders. 

The zoo also posted a graph of the results so far but declined to say which name was in the lead.

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The poll closes Dec. 31 at 2 p.m., and the winning name will be announced New Year's Day. 

Fox News Digital reached out to the Metro Richmond Zoo for additional comment. 

The Metro Richmond Zoo's newborn pygmy hippo was born months after Moo Deng, another pygmy hippopotamus, went viral for her adorable antics in Thailand. 

Since Moo Deng first received worldwide attention over the summer, she has been parodied on "Saturday Night Live," correctly predicted the 2024 U.S. presidential election, inspired a makeup trend and prompted a two-hour-long traffic jam on the road to her zoo.

Amtrak issued an apology after 110 passengers were left stranded at Washington's Union Station after their boarding gate was never opened. 

"On Dec. 26, Amtrak train 66 traveling from Roanoke, Va., to New York departed Washington Union Station before all passengers were able to board. Amtrak sincerely apologizes for the miscommunication that resulted in customers missing their train," a representative from Amtrak told Fox News Digital. 

"We provided customers service on the next train, food and beverages, hotel accommodations and full refunds," said the representative. 

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The snafu was first reported on Reddit's r/Amtrak subreddit in the early morning hours of December 27. 

"NE regional left without 100 passengers from DC," wrote Reddit user and would-be passenger on Amtrak train 66 "PreparationDry8083." 

In the post, PreparationDry8083 explained that the train was supposed to board at 10 p.m., and that passengers got in line at 9:40 p.m. after receiving a text that it was time to board.

"10:15 train says it’s departed, 100 of us are still waiting for the gate to open," said PreparationDry8083. At 11 p.m., the station manager "said the train left because no one came down to board." 

At Washington Union Station, Amtrak passengers are not permitted on to the platform prior to a set boarding time, and passengers' tickets are checked prior to boarding – similar to the process for boarding an airline. 

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In an update post later on December 27, PreparationDry8083 provided additional details about the botched boarding procedure and what had happened. 

The boarding gate was never opened, said PreparationDry8083, and the doors were roped off with a sign in front of them.

"Not exactly intuitive to go through," the Reddit user wrote. 

"The whole process felt like boarding at an airport. I don't think anyone wanted to stir up trouble with station police in eyesight." 

The train had already been delayed, said PreparationDry8083, and other passengers thought it had been delayed further. 

"When the delayed departure time came up on us, I think a lot of people just assumed Amtrak was running behind again," the user wrote.

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A total of 110 passengers were left behind, said PreparationDry8083. 

"I think many people were worried that if they got out of line to search an empty station for a worker, that the boarding process would come and go without them," PreparationDry8083 wrote, adding that the station police were "just as bewildered" as the left-behind passengers.

Fox News Digital reached out to PerparationDry8083 for additional comment.

On Reddit, users were shocked at how a number of passengers could be left behind. 

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"DC is a flagship station. They should expect passengers. That the conductor didn’t ask where the passengers were is a huge problem," said user "WickedJigglyPuff," adding, "Amtrak should have a list of stations that can’t be left without passengers boarding."

"What a mess. Hopefully someone is fired. But glad you were compensated in the end," said "throwaway3113151." 

Throwaway3113151 continued, saying, "It’s absolutely insane that Amtrak makes everyone wait in huge lines. There’s no reason they can’t operate like high-speed trains in Europe, where the platform is open. But it’s Amtrak and mediocre seems to be par for the course." 

Amtrak did not respond to Fox News Digital's questions regarding amending the boarding process at Washington Union Station in light of this incident. 

Nothing beats the childhood joy of seeing a choo-choo train display during the holiday season. 

Especially when that includes boarding a Christmastime caboose brimming with holiday decor, smelling hot cocoa wafting through the cars, and enjoying plenty of picturesque views. 

Here's a roundup of some of the best holiday train rides and model train displays in the U.S. for this season of celebration.

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Set your sights on your favorites — and add them to your wish list for a holiday memory for the books. 

Here are eight to catch while you can (some run well into January). It's always best to check dates and ticket prices on each location's website ahead of time.

Have a very Tweetsie Christmas in Western North Carolina at Tweetsie, a Wild West-inspired holiday railroad experience. 

Up in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll ride a train behind a real-deal 1866 steam locomotive decorated with twinkling lights. 

Round that out with Christmas carolers, live holiday performances and the chance to meet Santa in the Gingerbread House back at the home base, and you’ve got the makings of a great holiday memory. 

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The Tweetsie Railroad grounds also boast four classic amusement rides, including the holiday-themed Little Drummer Boy Tea Cup, and there’s a fire pit where you can enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa and restaurants if you need to sit on solid ground for a while. Learn more at tweetsie.com.

For an unforgettable toy train show, head to Indy, where you can scope out The Eiteljorg Museum's Jingle Rails. The model train display sprawls across some 1,200 square feet with 25 model trains wending their way through landscapes as diverse as the White House, the Indianapolis skyline and the Grand Canyon. 

Fun fact: All the 30-plus locations featured in the display are handcrafted from natural materials and adorned with holiday lights to up the yuletide quotient. 

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While here, guests can also enjoy the new winter market where local artists peddle everything from artwork to candles. Learn more at eiteljorg.org/exhibitions.

All aboard to climb up Mount Washington on the Cog Railway for a cuppa hot cocoa with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

This winter, Cog Railway trains terminate at the alpine meadow marvel that is Waumbek Station. With an elevation of some 4,000 feet, the venue boasts panoramas of the southern Presidential mountain range to the Canadian border. 

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Travelers can enjoy a 25-minute pit stop to savor that aforementioned hot chocolate, get cozy in warming huts or stand beside a crackling fire pit. Learn more at brettonwoodsvacations.com.

Throw yourself into a Hallmark movie scene on a vintage train ride that traverses West Virginia’s rolling hills while channeling some North Pole merriment. 

Voyagers will be treated to a 75-minute ride complete with caroling, "The Nutcracker" character dance performances, and "Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" story time. 

All of this and more can be washed down with Mrs. Claus’s milk and cookies. A scenic caboose final approach showcases glowing Christmas lights, dancing elves and a Santa cameo. 

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Back at the Christmas Event Barn after the trip, kids can enjoy a petting farm, crafts, photo opps, s’mores roasting and more. 

P.S. A first class ticket will have you hopping aboard a handsomely restored vintage 1940s-1950s dining car with lounge-style seating. Learn more at potomaceagle.com.

In the otherworldly vistas of the American Southwest, holiday splendor is chugging along on the Grand Canyon Railway, which morphs into the wintertime classic, The Polar Express. 

For 90 minutes, you’ll zigzag through landscapes as Chris Van Allsburg’s eponymous children’s book is read. 

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Music, Santa visits, hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies sweeten the deal on this excursion. Learn more at thetrain.com.

Known for its wine-tasting locomotive excursions in Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Wine Train during the holiday season hosts the Santa Train Jolly Journeys, much to the delight of kids — and kids at heart. 

Once you’ve boarded, expert carolers, cookies and cocoa, and Santa visits — plus printed and digital photo opps at four spots along the way. 

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Food-wise, choose desserts at Santa’s Cookie car or a full holiday dinner on an antique Pullman dining car dubbed the Gourmet Holiday Express. 

Don’t forget to soak up the stunning views from the Very Merry Vista dome observation cart before your time on this special train ride concludes. Learn more at winetrain.com. 

For another fabulous toy train show, check this out.

Now in its 37th year of operation, this highly detailed display has about 600 trains, a slew of famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Central Station and the Dallas Skyline — plus a new display made entirely from LEGO bricks, all across 1,600 feet of track. 

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Bonus: Visitors can leave the exhibit knowing their admission fees benefit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, which helps families with ill or injured children. Learn more at trainsatnorthpark.org.

A third holiday train show not to be missed is the impressive setup at the U.S. Botanic Garden in our nation’s capital city.

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Here, get excited about an outdoor model train extravaganza where the miniature cabooses circulate through — fittingly for the setting — pollinators and their plants. 

Throughout the show, which is made from plant parts, you’ll see oversized models of our country’s native flowers like milkweed, an orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower, a chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower and much more. 

FYI: As with many museums in D.C., the U.S. Botanic Garden is free of charge. Learn more at usbg.gov/holiday.